~ Sidheswari Sahoo

In the heart of rural India, where child marriages are still common, Laba Barik is a symbol of change in Koraut district. His strong efforts to promote education and fight against child marriage have reshaped the narrative in his village of Padapadar in Dandabadi Gram Panchayat under Baipariguda block.

Laba’s journey began with a realisation: education is not only a path to personal growth but also a powerful tool to combat social issues like child marriage. As the first individual to complete Higher Secondary Education, (+2) in Padapadar, Laba understood the power of education firsthand. In Padapadar, a village with about 60 households, child marriages were common, with unions happening as early as age 15. The root causes were clear: a lack of awareness about adolescent health and the importance of education, along with poor educational infrastructure.

Determined to make a change, Laba worked hard to break these barriers. He raised awareness among villagers, using his education as a beacon of hope. Through collaborative efforts with Anganwadi workers, Laba started campaigns to educate parents about the harmful effects of child marriage and the invaluable benefits of formal education.

Despite initial resistance and scepticism, Laba’s hard work paid off. The village saw a significant drop in child marriages as parents became increasingly aware of the long-term repercussions. Moreover, Laba’s efforts helped marginalised children to access education.  Now, three girls are enrolled in the Government Tribal Residential School and five others have overcome paperwork issues to attend local schools.

However, Laba’s mission is not without its challenges. The absence of birth certificates and Aadhaar cards makes it hard to enrol children in schools. Yet, Laba remains undeterred, looking for other ways to make sure every child’s right to education gets fulfilled.

Laba’s passion for education knows no limits. Even after finishing his schooling, he remains committed to empowering the next generation.

“I want the children in my village to receive formal education and utilise their knowledge to make a livelihood,” he says with conviction. As Laba continues to overcome obstacles and champion the cause of education, his impact reaches far beyond Padapadar.